Cecilia Shaughnessy

Cecilia Fritton Shaughnessy, 89, Topeka, died Tuesday, January 04, 2005, at Midland Hospice House. Cecilia was born in Topeka on October 17, 1915, the daughter of Benno and Josephine Zeidler Fritton. She graduated from Capitol Catholic High School (now Hayden High) and St. Mary University, Leavenworth. After graduation from college and traveling in Europe, Cecilia taught at Hayden High School. In August, 1950, she married Paul Shaughnessy. Paul preceded her in death on May 18, 1989. Her son, Pat also preceded her in death on May 3, 2003. Cecilia was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish for 45 years. She volunteered for many years as one of the “Bulletin Ladies”. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Most Pure Heart of Mary Women’s Club. She is survived by her son, Dan and his wife, Nancy, Topeka; daughters, Mary Ellen Cronin and her husband, Joe, Maureen Minton and husband, Mark, all of Topeka, Jeanette Shemezis and her husband, Steve, Broadview Illinois, and her daughter-in-law, Gloria Shaughnessy, Bloomingdale, Illinois; two sisters, Florence “Floss” Kelly and her husband, Leo, Topeka, and Sister Mary Vincent Fritton, SCL, Leavenworth; 13 grandchildren, Erin Jessen, Tim Shaughnessy, Kevin Shaughnessy, Matt Shaughnessy, Stephen Shaughnessy, Michael Grogan, David Grogan, Dave Cronin, James Cronin, Derek Shemezis, Nicole Shemezis, Kathleen Minton and Daniel Minton; eight great-grandchildren, Rachel Jessen, Shannon Jessen, Caden Jessen, Corey Shaughnessy, Danny Shaughnessy, Aiden Shaughnessy, Mary Bridget Shaughnessy and Annie Shaughnessy. Mrs. Shaughnessy will lie in state and family will greet friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Saturday, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Let’s Help, Most Pure Heart of Mary School, and Hayden High School and sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Cecilia Shaughnessy

October 17, 1915 - January 4, 2005